PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Kim Sun Ju (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ben Sampson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ben Sampson will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Sun Ju
vs
Sampson

174 cm
18
145 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

170 cm
25
135 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Kim Sun Ju!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Ben Sampson!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Johanna Lukiainen and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ju goes for a double leg but Sampson avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Sampson continues to drive forward.
Sampson goes for a double leg but Ju avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Ju continues to drive forward.
Ju fails to land the takedown.
Ju fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Sampson avoids it really well and circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kim Sun Ju. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ju is trying hard to land a takedown here. Sampson sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

Ju changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Sampson looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.

Ju decides to stand up, so the ref orders Sampson to his feet.
Sampson misses with a head kick.

Ju shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Ju showed some decent athleticism there.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sampson trying to hold on to Ju's head to control him but Ju postures up.

Ju stands up out of the half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sampson shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Ju pinned against the cage. Ju gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Nice takedown defense from Sampson. No joy for Ju on that attempt.
Ju looks for a takedown but Sampson sprawls well.
Sampson looks for a takedown but Ju sprawls well.
Ju half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Sampson tries to clinch but Ju moves out of range.
Sampson fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Sampson shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Ju defends it nicely.

Ju throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Sampson was covering up waiting for the punch and Ju finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Sampson scrambles and gets back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Ju drives through with a takedown into guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ju is pushing down on Sampson's leg trying to pass to half guard. Sampson is fighting to maintain full guard but Ju has managed to sneak the leg through.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Ju is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
It looks like Ju is going to stand back up.

Ju stands up from half guard.
Kim Sun Ju seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ju with a lazy takedown attempt
and Sampson counters with a series of strikes. Ju will be more careful next time no doubt.
Ju keeps Sampson at a distance using the push kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ju tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Sampson swivels and escapes.
Ju darts in looking for a takedown but Sampson gets double underhooks and turns Ju into the cage.
Ju is breathing heavily.
Sampson tries to clinch but Ju moves out of range.
Sampson shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Ju as he jumps to the side.
Ju half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Sampson shoots in but Ju avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Ju tries for a takedown but Sampson circles away easily
and Sampson counters with a series of strikes. Ju will be more careful next time no doubt.

Ju closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Sampson did well to prevent Ju getting side control.

Sampson kicks Ju off and gets back to his feet.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sampson misses with a takedown attempt - Ju sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Ju fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Sampson avoids it really well and circles away.
Sampson unleashes a big counter combination but Ju bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Sampson forces Ju back against the cage and clinches.
Ju wants a takedown but no success here.
Ju tries for a takedown but Sampson manages to get underhooks.
Ju has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Sampson after a bit of a struggle.
Ju is looking for a takedown.
Ju is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Ju wants a takedown but no success here.
Sampson gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Ju.

Sampson manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ben Sampson dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Sampson feints a jab promting Ju to slip. Sampson then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Ju slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Sampson stuffs the takedown.
Sampson dives in for a single leg takedown but Ju sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.

Ju shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.

Ju decides to return to a standing position.
Sampson shoots in for a takedown but Ju shows good takedown defense.
Sampson feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Jus jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Sampson slaps away a takedown attempt from Ju, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Sampson tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Ju paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Ju shoots in and gets a takedown into Sampson's guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Ju postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Sampson is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Ju, into his guard.

Ju looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sampson connects with a couple of short punches.
Sampson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Ju keeping moving, preventing Sampson from controlling successfully.
Ju is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Sampson is controlling him.
Sampson loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Ju is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Sampson dives into side control.
Both fighters take a look at the clock.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Ju wants to get back to his feet but Sampson drags him back down.

Ju bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Ben Sampson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Sampson is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Ju shoots in for a double leg but Sampson sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kim Sun Ju. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sampson tries to clinch up.
Sampson shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Ju pinned against the cage. Ju gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Sampson fails with a takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ju fails with the takedown
and Sampson counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Sampson scores with a shot to the body.
Ju gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Sampson counters with a right hand to the body.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Sampson crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Ju - the referee stops the clock and Sampson gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Ju. Sampson manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.

Ju moves into the clinch.
Ju wants to take the fight to the mat but Sampson manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

Sampson ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Sampson no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Ju pushing down on Sampson's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

Ju escapes and gets back to his feet.
Sampson tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Ju paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Ju went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Sampson fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Ju closes the distance and pushes Sampson back into the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ju is trying to drag Sampson to the mat but Sampson just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.

Sampson pulls Ju into guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Sampson is on top in guard.

Ju is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

Ju working for a triangle but Sampson defends it easily.

Ju looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Ben Sampson will probably get the nod - 10:9.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. And we move into the final round!

Sampson tries to clinch but Ju is having none of it.

Ju clinches with his opponent.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Ju keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Sampson's efforts to push away.
Ju gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Sampson.

Ju works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.

Ju gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Ju shoots in but no luck this time.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sampson looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Ju feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Sampson's calf.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Sampson gets tackled into the cage by Ju. Ju maintains the clinch.

Sampson gets control of Ju's arms and successfully pulls guard. Sampson will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.

Ju avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ju stands and steps away. Sampson gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Ju shoots in looking for a takedown. Sampson tries to sprawl out of it but Ju keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Sampson manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Despite the aggression on Sampson's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Sampson misses with a takedown attempt - Ju sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Sampson shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Ju feinted with a counter takedown.
Kim Sun Ju has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ben Sampson.
Ju scores with a kick to the midsection.

Ju clinches.
Ju is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Sampson is defending well.
Ju tries to score a body lock takedown but Sampson shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

Sampson successfully pulls guard.
Ju has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ju looking to pass the guard.

Ju stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Sampson throws a shot to the body.
Sampson with a body punch. A glancing blow.

Ju pushes Sampson up against the cage in a clinch.
Ju tries to score a body lock takedown but Sampson shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Sampson can't get the takedown.
Sampson tries to break free but Ju pushes him back against the cage.
Ju has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Sampson after a bit of a struggle.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ju jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Sampson walks away with a smile on his face. Ju gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Ju shoots in for a takedown but Sampson shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Ju blocks the body kick.
Ju appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Sampson wants to clinch up but Ju keeps it at a distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sampson lands a slapping body shot.
Sampson keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Sampson fails with a takedown attempt.
Ju fails with a takedown attempt.
Sampson tries to close the distance and clinch but Ju swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Ju.
Sampson tries to clinch but Ju moves out of range.
Ju dives in and grabs Sampson's left leg, looking for a takedown. Sampson pushes down on Ju's head and hops out.
Sampson is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Ju rather than just go for the knockout.
A left and a right from Sampson both land. Nice combination.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ju keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Ju throws a nice outside leg kick.
Sampson fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Ju defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Sampson.
Ju lands a nice looking kick to the body. Sampson takes a step back to recover.
Ju dives in and grabs Sampson's left leg, looking for a takedown. Sampson pushes down on Ju's head and hops out.
Sampson shoots in for a takedown but Ju shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Ju shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

Ju stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Sampson to get to his feet.
Kim Sun Ju has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ju stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Ju wants it to stay on the feet.
Ben Sampson is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Sampson has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Ju.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Kim Sun Ju.
I think Sampson has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 28:29
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 28:29
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ben Sampson!